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CHAPTER FIVE: A RACING HEART
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RESCUED HEART CHAPTER SIX: CLOSER TIES
Anuri worked hard and efficiently throughout the next three weeks. She really impressed her boss and many clients of the company were endeared to her.Anuri stepped into the accounts department, heading for the manager's office. He was a man in his early fifties. She met him talking with someone. 'Excuse me briefly,' he told his guest. 'Hello, Anuri.’She smiled. 'Good morning, sir. I have come for those documents.’He snapped his fingers. 'Oh, yes, they are here.' He pulled out his drawer and offered a file containing papers to her. 'The other report, I'll send to him myself.''Alright.' She received it and left the office.She went downstairs, humming a song to herself. Suddenly, her right foot slipped off the step. 'Aw… ' It all happened in a split of a second. Anuri fell, hitting her ankle, waist and elbow on the staircase. Pain registered in her brain and travelled backwards, spreading her nerves with great intensity. 'Aw&
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER SEVEN: ANOTHER SHOCK
Anuri visited James and his family on Sunday evening. His children were very glad to see her. She gave them a bag bearing some provisions and some books. As usual James' wife was aloof to her. She had not changed. Anuri did not let that demoralize her. She had a good chat with James before taking her leave.Back at home, Anuri found herself longing to be with Jerome and his children. She wondered what they were doing at that particular moment. Was he thinking of her now? Was it wise to have refused his date? She could not tell. Betrayal had made her too wary of almost everything.On Monday morning, Anuri arrived at work feeling calm. She was dressed in a black suit beautifully designed and the dark colour contrasted beautifully with her complexion. Jerome was already at his desk. When it struck eight o'clock, she reported to his office. He was going through some files.‘Good morning sir.'Jerome looked up. Their eyes met. He smiled, his eyes appraisin
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER EIGHT: STEPPING IN
Daddy! Daddy! Welcome, daddy!' Jerome's children chanted as he drove into his compound the next day. It was around 5:10pm. The children were at the verandah with Mrs. Onyenso and another boy of fourteen years. They jumped up and down excitedly as they drove in. It was drizzling with rain, so the children could not run out. Moreover, Jerome had warned them not to run towards a moving vehicle for whatever reason. A friend of his had nearly killed his kid who had run out excitedly to greet him. The child had come in the way before he could swerve. Luckily, the child had not died but he was injured. That had made Jerome warn his kids seriously against such excitement and they are obeying him.Anuri looked at him as the car came to a halt. 'Umu gi alola.’'Yes,' he breathed, resting his head on the seat base with his eyes closed. He looked tired, she thought, feeling the impulse to touch his cheek and massage his neck. She collected her thoughts, willing the thoughts away
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER NINE: THE TRUTH
A knock sounded at the door. Leaving the textbook she was studying, Anuri stood to answer the call. It was Jerome.‘Hello,' she greeted lightly, stepping back.‘Hi.' He patted her cheek. He was his usual handsome self, clad in a short-sleeved white shirt over a pair of black trousers. 'I will not sit down, Anuri. My mother and two of my sisters are around. I want you to come and meet them.' His eyes met hers.'Oh…' She nodded slowly. 'I heard a car drive in. I didn't know it was them.' She looked at her dress.He took her hand. 'I mara mma. Come on, let's go. They are waiting.''They know you came to call me?''Yes, they do.'Together, they left her apartment. Jerome took the back door into his house. She was silent as he led her through the kitchen corridor towards the living room. There was a hush as they came in and then silence. Anuri gazed at Jerome's family for the first time, feeling pleased and sel
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER TEN: BLENDING
On Thursday evening, the following week, Jerome came to see how Anuri was spending the evening. It was two hours since they came back from work and he desired her company. He found her in the living room, relaxed on the settee, holding a book. She looked up as he came in. 'Hello,' she smiled warmly.'Hello, how are doing?' He sat down beside her, gazing at her fondly.‘I’m fine… And you? Have you eaten?' She touched his cheek gently.I have.' He patted her hand 'Were you reading?''I was about to.' She returned her attention to her book.'What's the name of the book?’'It's a collection of short stories entitled 'A Battle of will'.''A Battle of Will,' he repeated, taking the book from her. 'Have you read it before?’'I have, it's very interesting.' She said enthusiastically.'Really?’'Very Much.’'Mmh, can you rea
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER ELEVEN: LOVE CONQUERS
Anuri sat in front of her house, doing her Saturday laundry. Suddenly, she heard approaching footsteps. Jerome was not at home. He had gone to see a business associate and only ten minutes had gone. The footsteps were distinctly feminine. Expectantly, she looked in the direction of the sound wondering who it was. May be Mrs. Onyenso's visitor. Just then, a figure appeared round the bend and halted a few feet from her. It was a woman in her early thirties. She was very pretty and had an air of strong sophistication around her. She was a bit dark complexioned, clad in a beautiful emerald satin suit. Anuri was surprised. She did not know the lady. And… why did she regard her so?...Anuri raised her eyebrows, 'Hello.''Keep your greeting to yourself,’ the lady spoke with vehemence, moving closer to her.'You are Anuri Uchechi, aren't you?''I am and how can I help you?' she asked sharply.'You can help me by leaving Jer
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER TWELVE: HOME
Twenty-five months later 'Sweetheart! Our fair lady is yelling,' Jerome exclaimed, his voice rich with joy and satisfaction.Anuri laughed from the adjoining room. 'I'm coming. Let me finish with Ola.'Anuri, now Jerome's wife had given him through the grace of the Light, a very beautiful baby girl. Their joy was tremendous. Kelechi and Ola were equally excited and jubilant over the arrival of the new one.Still involved in the affairs of Golding Cosmetics Limited, Anuri served as one of the supervisors of the firm.Presently, she stepped into their cozy bedroom, holding Ola by the hand. The latter was angelically dressed in a pink lacy gown, her feet adorned in black glossy shoes. Her hair was beautifully braided and decorated with fancies. She was very pretty. They were preparing for an outing. Ola relinquished Anuri's hand and ran to
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER THIRTEEN: UNBOUNDED LOVE: FIRST SIGHT
Activities were aflame in the campus, students walked to and fro the lanes, some hurriedly, some seriously and some lackadaisically. Occasionally, cars sped by leaving a cloud of dust behind. It was the penultimate month of the year; everyone was preparing for the first semester assessment tests which would take place first week of December.Nneoma and her closest friend, Gladys sat comfortably in the campus library studying their textbooks and solving mathematical sums. The well stocked and arranged library was quiet except for the hums from the air conditioners in the spacious hall. Students went in and out of the library from time to time, most laden with seriousness.Nneoma loved the silence of the library. It afforded her the opportunity to assimilate her works more easily.'Nneoma,’ Gladys whispered.She barely looked up from her book. 'Hmm?''Will you go to the theatre with me tonight?''Don't you realize we are in the library?' Nneom
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RESCUED HEART CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: YOU, ALWAYS
The time was 11:00hrs N.T. Richard drove into his parents' compound in Port Harcourt, beside him was his bride to be, Nneoma. They were there for a formal introduction to his parents. The security man closed the gate as Richard drove further into the compound. He parked his vehicle neatly at the drive turning to Nneoma.'Here's our abode,' he smiled.'I can see,' she said softly, gazing at the white duplex, standing grandly in its aesthetic beauty.'Come on, let's get out.' He opened his door likewise Nneoma.Richard was attired in a green brocade mini jumper artistically embroidered. He was as usual posh and elegant. Nneoma was dressed in a shimmering dark blue lacy skirt and blouse, beautifully sown. She wore Richard's birthday gift; the gold jewelry. Her hair was beautifully twisted and a pair of black slippers graced her feet. She was as usual charming. They were still closing their doors when a lady in her early twenties came out of the house, excited,
RESCUED HEART TWENTY-FOUR: TWO HEARTS, ONE LOVE
For the next two months, Nneoma and Richard saw a lot of each other. They stayed together most weekends reluctant to part. Sometimes, they dined out but most times they were indoors, enjoying one another's company at Nneoma's residence. They shared jokes, problems and life in general.On Sunday evening, relaxed on Nneoma's settee, they exchanged jokes and funny experiences, the epitome of a happy couple.'I was very fond of having tea and bread for breakfast,' Nneoma told him, eyes alight with amusement. 'And there came a period of bread scarcity in town. Most stores were short of bread. My mother presented biscuits to me in place of bread and I refused because, I normally dunked my bread in the tea so the biscuits did not work.'Richard smiled.'I was around four years old then,' she continued. 'Chika was still a baby. That morning, my mother was busy and I wanted bread by all means. My mother gave me N 10.00 to go to the nearby store and see if they had bread.
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: CONSOLIDATE
Throughout the week Nneoma was happy. This was evident in her eyes. She laughed at the slightest provocation. Gladys whom she had told of her reconciliation with Richard was happy for her. Richard phoned her thrice that week. On the third occasion, she was resting on her divan around 20:00 N.T. She grabbed her phone eagerly.'Hello,' she cooed.'Hi,' Richard replied richly. 'How are you?''I'm fine and you?''I'm fine too. So, how was the day?''Enjoyable but I'm tired.''Have you eaten?''Yes, I have.''Why don't you take some pain relievers?''It's not that serious. It's just … it's just…' Her voice trailed off as a yawn over took her. 'I'm sorry,' she apologized chuckling. 'In a couple of few minutes I will feel fine.''You are really tired,' he noted. 'I wish I were there to soothe your nerves.'Nneoma laughed softly. 'What about you? Being at the helm of affairs in your hotel must be trying.
RESCUED HEART TWENTY-TWO: A COME BACK
Nneoma arrived her office fully in control of her emotions. With struggles, she had relatively forgotten Richard. As usual, customers filed into the bank for one reason or the other. Nneoma had a busy time tackling her duties. She was working on some figures on her computer when she heard someone say.'Excuse me.'Nneoma looked up and saw a young man with a pronounced floral emblem on his shirt. She understood he was a florist.'Are you Miss Dike?' the man asked.'Yes. Nneoma Dike.''I'm from Claribel, a floricultural outfit.'Nneoma nodded, her eyes going to the beautiful bouquet of pink roses he was carrying.'Someone sent you this bouquet,' he said proffering it her.'Who?' She received the aromatic flowers.'A note accompanies it.' He pointed out to her.Quickly, she pulled out the note from the bouquet and opened it.My Dear Nneoma, I hope you have a nice time at work. Could you join me at La
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: RESTART
Seven years gone by, Nneoma was hale and hearty. She worked as an accountant in a reputable bank in Aba, the second city listed in the world gazetteer popularly called the Enyimba city, situate in Abia State, Nigeria. Courtesy of her uncle who had introduced her to the Utos years ago and her parents, she eventually graduated with a second class upper division degree certificate.Nneoma, through a magistrate law court had for six years formally paid back Pius approximately all he spent on her. And with the approximate last kobo paid, that sad episode was finally closed.Nneoma, in her thirtieth earth year was a raving beauty. She suffered a lot of advances from men which amused, pleased, or irritated her at times. Suitors came her way but she refused them. It was as if she had sworn off men. Her parents were worried. Wouldn't she settle down? Why did she joke with marriage? She was almost thirty! They gave her sermons on the reasons why she should make the most of her
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER TWENTY: RETALIATION
Nneoma!’ 'Aunty,' she responded quietly, unable to smile. ‘Come in, come in,' Ogechi said, taking the former's hand. She led her into her living room. Nneoma dropped her bag on the floor and sat down on one of the cushioned seats.'You look troubled, Nne. What's the problem? And how is your mother?' Ogechi gazed at her concernedly, subsiding on the adjourning seat.'She's fine, I believe but I'm not so sure.''You are not so sure? I don't understand.''Oh, aunty Oge, I ran away from them.''Ah… Nneoma?'She began tremulantly, 'Pius came home.''Your fiancé?''Yes, he came home for the Easter Holiday. When he called at our house, I was not yet back from school. When I came home, my parents said I should visit them as they desired…''Mmh.
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER NINETEEN: RUN AWAY BRIDE-TO-BE
The bus arrived the Eastern Heartland at exactly 20:45 N.T. At the ITC Park, Nneoma alighted from the vehicle. She felt very tired and weak.She gazed up the night sky. The sky was bluish black, sprinkled with myriads of brilliant stars. They told her life could be smooth rough, beautiful or ugly depending on how one played his cards. Shaking her head, she looked around for a cyclist.Minutes later, the motor cyclist arrived at Gladys' residence which was in Aladinma Layout. She dismounted and paid the cyclist. She knocked on the black gate and waited patiently. She was the epitome of a run-away soldier. Just then, the gate was opened by Gladys younger brother, about eighteen years old.''Joseph.'He was visibly surprised. 'Ah, Nneoma, good evening!''Good-evening,’ she answered with a weak smile. 'Is Gladys in?''Yes, yes, come in.' He stepped back and Nneoma entered the compound. Joseph locked the gate and moved toward their white bungalow
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: PIUS COMES HOME
The door bell rang musically. Nneoma stood up to answer the call. She was at the Uto's house having arrived an hour earlier. This was her second visit to the Uto's residence. Opening the door, she saw her father in-law to be, Mr. Silas Uto.He exclaimed in joy: 'Ah, Nneoma, you're already here.''Yes sir, good morning, sir,' she greeted respectfully.'Good morning.' He patted her back as he came in. 'How are your parents?''They are fine. They sent their greetings, sir.''Good, good.'She looked curiously, towards the door. 'Where is Pius, sir?''He's coming. Pius, what are you still doing there? Nneoma is here!' Pius' father said with flourish looking at the curtained entrance.Alarm bells sounded distinctly in Nneoma's ears as Pius Uto walked in. They stared at each other, her heart beating wildly. No…no… This won't work… Nneoma felt like breaking down. He was not her type… she moaned silently. Seeing him live has
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: APPREHENSION
When the hour struck 15:30 N.T, Nneoma leapt from her bed. She dressed up again in her earlier clothes. She retouched her makeup and made sure she looked good. Selecting the relevant books, she left for Gladys' room. Since the latter was ready too, both of them left the hostel.'Do you know the particular class?''No but we will find him without any problem. Come on, Richard keeps to time and if you don't he leaves. That way, he teaches his friends to stick to time.' Gladys increased her pace.Moments later, they arrived at the Blue classes. Looking through the windows, they sought for Richard. In the sixth class, they found him. Nneoma felt a peculiar joy well up within her just at the mere sight of him. He had not seen them yet. He stood before a wall map looking very engrossed. At the sound of their foot steps, he turned round. Richard wore a cool black T. shirt over a deep blue jeans looking grand in casual clothes. He smiled, his eyes lighting up as they fell on
